Organizational Cognition: The Theory of Social Organizing

Cognition is not just associated with brain activity, but also requires tools, artifacts, objects, and other external entities to function properly. Organizational Cognition: The Theory of Social Organizing introduces a model that defines the elements that allow cognition to work, which includes the combined and simultaneous presence of micro aspects (the biological individual) and macro super-structural elements (organizational climate, culture, norms, values, rules). This 3M Model is useful for organizational scholars and opens a new path for cognition research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cognition, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, is intricately linked to the intricate workings of the brain. While some brain activity is undoubtedly necessary for cognition to function, the last thirty years have witnessed a revolutionary shift in our understanding and conception of cognition. These advancements have paved the way for a distributed perspective on cognition, one that recognizes the importance of external tools, artifacts, objects, and other entities in enabling the brain to operate effectively.

In the realm of organizational cognition, the Theory of Social Organizing takes this distributed perspective and applies it to the organization. This theory introduces a model that defines the essential elements that facilitate cognition within an organization. According to this model, cognition requires the simultaneous presence of micro aspects, such as the biological individual, and macro super-structural elements, such as organizational climate, culture, norms, values, and rules. These two elements come together to shape cognition in the meso domain, which encompasses any actions that enable individuals to carry out their daily tasks.

The 3M Model, coined due to the micro-meso-macro interactions, represents the essence of this distributed perspective. It emphasizes the social nature of cognition, highlighting the interactions between individuals that occur within the meso domain. This domain is often overlooked in previous perspectives, but the book aims to bring it to the forefront by developing and presenting the Theory of Social Organizing.

This theory holds significant value for organizational scholars as it provides a framework for understanding and analyzing the cognitive processes within organizations. Moreover, it opens up a new avenue for cognition research, encouraging scholars to explore the social dimensions of cognition and their impact on organizational performance and decision-making.

In conclusion, the last thirty years have revolutionized our understanding of cognition, shifting from a localized perspective to a distributed one that recognizes the importance of external factors and social interactions in shaping cognitive processes. The Theory of Social Organizing takes this perspective and applies it to the organization, offering valuable insights and opening up new avenues for research. As we continue to unravel the complexities of cognition, it is clear that the social dimension will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of organizational behavior and performance.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367769512